








/ 




Book JBz* 




•1 with to be ■ Christian first/* — Pa 



THE 



BORROWED BIBLE, 



By the Author of " Eve Bourne," " Beacons and 
Beckonings," " The Eldest Daughter," &c. 



Written for the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, and 
approved by the Committee of Publication. 



BOSTON: 

MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, 
Depository, No. 13 Cornhill. 






, according to Act of Congrew, in the year 1864, 
Bt 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of il 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 



CHAPTER I. 

Michael Carrisforth belonged to the better 
class of Irish tenantry in the county of S. 
He farmed a few noble and fertile acres 
with such skill, thrift and economy, that 
his crops were finer and more bountiful 
than most of his neighbors'. Indeed 
Michael's husbandry was well reported of 
far and near, and his produce never failed 
to be in demand, or to bring the highest 
price in the market. Consequently his 
family were regarded as looking up in the 
world ; and so they were, in more senses 
than one. More than ordinary intelligence 
characterized them from oldest to young- 
est ; and with the increasing means of pro- 
curing knowledge, came the desire to break 
those bonds of ignorance and superstition, 
under which the Catholic peasantry of that 



TMK BORROWED BIBLB. 



have been so 
long and vainly strugglii in it 

while the masses of 
labor u to 

■ priesthood, « 

it is, to hold fast the key of knowledge ! 
Hut a hotter day is coining f 

:i of the future. 

' larrisforth meant to be a good 
man — ai he accounted goodness. He was 

Ifl m all 
• so. I if paid his rents and n 

he | we\\ lor his h and 

a kind husband and an indulgent 

father. ! hurch on Sundays 

and festival d t, ate no meat 

on Kndays. and year. 

With tliis external conformity he was 
tirely satisfied — r« 

of the Church of I 1 the ut- 

n or 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 

His wife Bessie, on the other hand, was 
deeply tinctured by the religious supersti- 
tion of her people. With conscientious zeal 
she entered into every thing of a sacred 
nature. She had an awe Of the priestly 
character and person — blindly ascribing to 
it all that power and sanctity it has long 
had the arrogance and impiety to claim. 
She believed in her heart that the Roman 
Catholic church contained the only true 
means of God's grace and salvation, and 
really pitied and prayed for those without 
its pale. She confessed, as a grievous 
transgression, the slightest departure from 
prescribed rules, whether the result of acci- 
dent or inadvertence ; and gladly restored 
herself to the favor of heaven, and her 
spiritual directors, by the most rigorous 
penances. And thus she tried to bring up 
her children — instilling into their young 
minds the feelings and faith, which were so 
actively predominant in her own. 

Michael's indifference to religion (as she 
regarded the fact of his not having formally 
united himself to the church,) was the one 



UROWKO BIBLE. 



gran • between ihem b« 

It was in vain th 
fisted he was been 

in infancy 
bet 

lis sponsors — 
and tins she she 

Tin all who enter 

into the communion <>t" their church, are-by 
thai 1 are sale 

,.ity. what 
duct may bai l'bey 

pretend, that i 

sinner lot it When Micliael 

risforth bad (lone this, he had no more 
to to win his bride, and ll soon 

man 

Ins soul ; and although 
the faith 
qnite rat him for tune and 

W e might bow comment on th 
as many other 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 9 

prefer to let our little story speak its own 
moral to the young readers. Enough has 
been written in exposure and condemnation 
of those hollow and pernicious doctrines, 
which have lulled the fears and stimulated 
the false hopes, of thousands on thousands, 
till at last their feet stumble upon the dark 
mountains, and the light of eternity reveals 
their terrible mistake. 






1 I. 

• althy. ruddy boys and girls. 

had attended them, aa it is very 

apt i 

uid it was 
of pride and coi « to see their chil- 

:. clad, and taught, than the 
greater part of their neight> 

them noticed, and hear them 
praii «.Ty body, for I] rosy 

cheeks, tidy apparel, and civil and respect- 
ful demeanor. B 

commendation 

paiish priest, for their "punctuality 
orderly behavior in church, and the proaspt- 

witli which l 

and pl.t ened 

with the liveliest satiafa 

on lier maternal faithf 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 11 

tifying their tender minds against heterodoxy 
and heresy thus early ; and promised, with 
prophetic confidence, that they should one 
day become lights and pillars in the only 
true and Apostolic Church of Rome ! Upon 
Connell, the eldest, he bestowed unusual 
attention, and lavished unqualified praise. 
And Connell was a peculiarly engaging and 
intelligent lad ; and for his opportunities a 
rare scholar and reasoner. In the parish 
school he was always first in his class ; in- 
deed, for some years, he had been regarded 
first in school, and not unfrequently a 
match for the master himself. But his dis- 
position was so amiable and obliging that 
he was a general favorite, and. his superior- 
ity and successes excited neither envy nor 
ill-will. 

As this youth is to be the principal sub- 
ject of our sketch, it is proper that we 
should introduce him to the particular ac- 
quaintance of our readers. He was now 
about fifteen — tall, robust, and vigorous, 
with a very active and earnest mind, as a 
counterpart to a healthful body. He could 



O THU BORROW KD BIBLE. 

labor all day long on the little larm without 
fatigue, rind look i 

booi ith his slate, books, 

• llings of Mich in 

iod as occupy 1 . in life, books 

are not \ idant — but v or 

r, by means qu 

iged 

ipply himself with reading. Any thing 
and every tliin lt he could beg, buy, or bor- 

. with a • 
lory, he by-an aine quit 

prodigy of inforrnati 
II ;>on to ei 

which, to tl. 
limit 

diiiicuN ; and this he did in - 
nnai 

and atTec- 
tion. Aj would o( 

ines, 
tradition 
church. This led ConneU to lo. 

into these things, than the < ?ate 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 13 

Prayer Book would conduct him. Father 
Gasheen lent him works upon ecclesiastical 
history, as well as volumes containing tra- 
ditionary accounts of early times — lives of 
saints and martyrs, writings of the Fathers 
and Popes, &c, all of which this singular 
lad perused by firelight, or a dim candle, 
after the rest of the family were sunk in 
sleep. It was not so much that he felt a 
peculiar interest in these subjects, or this 
species of reading — no indeed ; he thought 
it very dry and unattractive — nor had he 
yet learned to raise a doubt in regard to the 
boasted infallibility of the Romish church ; 
he wished to be ready with an answer, or 
an explanation, for those who might make 
inquiries of him — he had gained a reputa- 
tion for being bright and knowing, and he 
was quite anxious to prove that he deserved 
it. He had grown quite unwilling, even at 
the age of fifteen, to say " he didn't know," 
on any common subject ! 

But these researches were all made in 
hours of leisure, or at times when boys of 
his age are wont to give themselves to 



tiik mmmmm 



the 

i with hi • r>. He 

\v to plotiL mow, and 

i:<. Hi wi lit U) market, a:i'l was 

expert in all sorts o Qg to 

and, being r< 

quently entrusted with tl '.fairs 

of the family — buying, selling, and ba: 

u much Council's ambition, 
to be competent to do bu best 

manner, as to answer the q and 

resolve the doubts of His neighlx H 
we see him most industrii 
bodily energies by day, and rail 
t(» his mental cravh 

_■ thus, we are 
fully Justified in « will ' 

ope in him quite remarkal 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 15 



CHAPTER III. 

Harvest days had commenced. The first 
ripened grain had been cut ; the early fruits 
and vegetables were ready for market. It 
was a bustling and busy morning at the 
Carrisforth cottage. The mother and her 
girls were astir betimes ; some to milk the 
cows, some to churn the butter or make the 
curds, some to prepare an early breakfast. 
Michael and his boys were loading the 
market wagon, with various products of 
the field and garden. All was ready before 
the horn summoned them to the morning 
meal. 

" Let me see," said Michael, as he sat 
down to the table, " our last load came to 
two pound three and sixpence, you say, 
Connie. Squire Harty's man bought it all, 
and didn't pay. That must be seen to, to- 
day. I guess I had better go with you. 
That Ned is a slippery fellow, they tell me ; 



TUB BORROWED BIBLE. 

think there's - r wrong about 

trade." 

" I presume I 
but ji. . prefer," n uell. 

by you see, boy, that KJ 

ling, 1 shall take the team. 
just ride over to the S ■ hile you 

dispose of the load." 

M Yes, yes, sir," assented Council, pleased 
e n ough to find, that he was not to be 

1 in that part of their errand, which 
he most enjoyed. 

They mounted the wagon, and stirred up 

leak farm hone* Into a lazy trot. 
The market town was some half dozen 
I distant. Jt was duly reached, and as 
Michael had feared, there was occasion for 
him the load In i charge, 

while he rode on tocollecfthe "two pound 
three and sixpence." 

( lonnell was ao to the but 

end Boon made ;i profitable disposal of 

uis, turnip M. Many 

of the market men had a kind 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 17 

word for the lad, even if they had no deal- 
ings ; for his straightforward honesty, and 
manly bearing, had before been noticed and 
commended, as something quite uncommon 
in a boy of his age and station. His per- 
fect accuracy in reckoning, his correctness 
in making accounts, settling bills and effect- 
ing exchanges, had often been remarked 
upon. One individual, whom we will call 
Mr. Bentley, had had his eye upon the youth 
for some time past. He kept a stall for 
fruit and vegetables, and had frequently 
dealt with his father and himself; and al- 
ways enjoyed a chat with Ccnnell when- 
ever his engagements would allow. Mr. 
Bentley was an excellent man, a Protestant, 
and a very earnest Christian. 

On this day, Connell had the good for- 
tune to sell his entire stock of produce to 
Mr. Bentley, whom he liked best to trade 
with, of any man in the market. It chanced 
that Mr. Bentley was very much hurried 
with customers, when he made out the 
payment ; and when Connell ran his eye 
over the bill, and counted the money, he 
2* 



18 TUB BORROWED BIBLB. 

had rec< 

several shillings to i 1 till 

ley was diseiiL 
proached him. 

BOt quite right. Will you have 
ft ss to look lor ;. 
"Not riglu? How .so.' havu't 1 
l enough 7 Let me look again at the 
bill ; 9S said .Air. Hentley, holding out 
hand for it. 

.11 presented it, and then smilingly 
produced the money. M There's ■ i 
sir, you will m 

and sixpence, and the hill amounts to only 
thin I sixpence. Ti 

relv 4 

Mr. Bentley looked very much pleased. 
" A hit of a mistake m i 

wrii, l wa.s quite nnpi 

UK not v« . 
: but it" one 

r of it. Four 
shili .1,1 don't wonder 1 make 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 19 

mistakes sometimes. But as you have dis- 
covered, and so honestly made it appear, 
you are entitled to the balance. I will call 
it right as it is, and commend you for your 
integrity besides." 

"No, I thank you, sir," said Connell, 
earnestly, but resolutely ; " I do not choose 
to take a reward for doing only what is 
right. Here is the change, sir, if you 
please !" 

Mr. Bentley was more and more surprised ; 
he took the money because he saw that the 
lad's nice sensibilities would be wounded if 
he refused. But he determined to improve 
the opportunity to learn something of his 
history and prospects. Accordingly he in- 
vited Connell to be seated; and in the in- 
tervals of serving his customers asked him 
a great many questions, which elicited a 
degree of good sense, information, and in- 
telligence, altogether unexpected, and cer- 
tainly very rare indeed among youth of his 
parentage and condition. He gathered from 
him what slender educational advantages 
he had enjoyed, and what means of relig- 






to express his feel- 

• Well, my la .ed Mr. H< 

ee you are capable of becoming a v. 
able and useful man in the world. 

DOl like to do a great deal of good 
among your lellow creatures l>< 

' ; That 1 should, sir 
his ey. | with the 

•• How can 1 I please tell - 

"You hai 
will aid ;. ally — but lack 

" What's that, sir I 1 should very much 
like to know .'" inquired < Jooj 
plied Mr. 1 1 
ly. " You want a Q< 

>ii !" 
" ( Mi. 1 am a Christian ; 

: and — " 
■• 1 understand you pei I 

m in 
aao Cathoi; 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 21 

ants, believe that no one is a Christian, 
but he who has received the grace of God 
for himself, into his own heart, and by 
penitence and faith embraces Christ as his 
only Mediator, and Redeemer. Do you 
think you have really done this, Connell V 1 

To this unexpected query Connell found 
it difficult to reply ; and Mr. Bentley went 
on. 

"The Christian, too, should draw his 
rule of belief from those pure and simple 
teachings which Christ came to bring. 
Have you ever read the Bible, my boy V 

Mr. Bentley had spoken with that feeling 
and tenderness, which totally disarms pre- 
judice and opposition. Connell could only 
reply, that he had never seen a Bible ! 

" I thought it very likely," said Mr. 
Bentley, " and now why is this ? Tell me, 
if you can, why this precious depository of 
Divine truths; this simple and beauti- 
ful directory of human faith and hope, 
should be so sedulously withholden from 
the common people by your priests and 
prelates ?" 



■ THE BORROWED BIBLE. 

— — 

it, sir — v. 

.1 it, 
ni what ; ry for us to be- 

lieve." 

"Do Mr. Ilcntl. I 

am very much ' *. • I 

thought so once — I was educated so to be- 
lieve, but when at last I read the Bible for 
elf, I found 1 had been deceived and 
deluded. Would you like to see e 

" Yes, eed I would 

Dell, eagerly. 

• Would you read it, if you had it in 
your possession 

"Certainly, sir, I would very gladly ex- 
amine the Bible for myself." 

•• \\ ell, 1 have but one, ami that o 
i — but if you will promise to read it 
through, with candor and attention, I will 
put it in your hands. 1 will not give it to 

I dO the Opposition Of 

rculatien ; — and I ill at 

ad influen 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 23 

say I will lend you my precious Bible; — 
when you have read it, bring it to me 
again!" 

Connell promised it should be well read, 
well kept, and faithfully returned to its 
owner. Mr. Bentley then took from a desk 
near by, a Bible, well worn indeed, but en- 
tire, and handed it to the youth. He re- 
ceived it with a feeling of awe, and wrap- 
ping it in a piece of clean matting, deposit- 
ed it in the bottom of one of the deep 
market baskets. He had barely time to do. 
so, when his father drove up to the door, 
and they were soon on the road home. 



TH1 BOBROWBD BXBUL 



HAPTER IV. 

It would be very diflicult for ou 

rs to understand the mingled emot. 
of curiosity and solemnity, which Connell 
experienced, when he first took his Bible in 
hand, to examine its a 
feeling something akin to that which was 
wont to come over him, when seed 

the elevation of the 

ous ceremony, by which the Roman pri 
hood pretend, that the simp! ntal 

emblems of bread and v. 
mt > the veritable body and blood of our 
list. Hut he had seen that 
many and many a time, till it had lost all 
novelty to him — ti 

He waited till all the family h 

it from its 
ment in the nee Be 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 25 

was unwilling to excite prejudice, or oppo- 
sition, by making known the precious 
acquisition he had made. He knew his 
mother's violent antipathy to every thing 
which savored of Protestantism too well, 
to run that risk, even if his father should 
take no notice of the thing ; and as it was 
his frequent custom to spend evenings in 
reading, he knew this mode and time of 
investigation would occasion neither sur- 
prise nor inquiry. 

We must repeat, that few of our youth- 
ful readers canjappreciate the state of mind, 
with which our friend Connell seated him- 
self before the broad kitchen fire-place, and 
stirred the sticks that were half-burnt for a 
better light to look into his Bible. So com- 
mon and so plentiful is this treasure in our 
happy and intelligent Christian communi- 
ties, that we greatly fear it is not regarded 
with the sacredness it claims as the Word 
of God ! How many thousand children 
there are among us, who never knew the 
lack of a Bible, who never entered a house 
where there was not a Bible ! who never 



■ 



trth 
viiai has been so familiar 

this very 
ided 
Duniah its vain.- in your esteem. Hut 
is it not wrong, very wrong, if it be indeed 
so? not think less of con. . 

food, raiment, light and air. because they 
Qod'l daily ministers to your bodily 
< s. Will you then . 
this I nourish- 

too, should be a matter i 
instead of ind, 

to attach a high value ti 
costly — but here is a j i 
our hands, and how littl in it. 

\ «•] . -ncient days could alloi 

own 

The labor and tire ribe 

with a pen all the i ad renei (rem 

that was tfai 
ere multi) 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 

of printing was discovered) made the price 
so enormously high, that they were entirely 
out of the reach of the poor. That parish 
was well off which owned one copy, and 
could keep it chained in the church, where 
the few who could read might go and con- 
sult its sacred pages. Even twenty-five or 
thirty years ago, at the time when the 
events related in our narrative occurred, 
the Bible was a costly book in Ireland, far 
more so than we should imagine, from its 
cheapness and abundance among us. — 
These considerations, and a great many 
others, should tend to make the Bible more 
reverenced and valued than it is; more 
carefully studied and more scrupulously 
cherished in our hearts and homes, and 
beget a more generous desire to send it into 
those " dark places of the earth full of the 
habitations of cruelty," where none of 
its glorious beams have yet penetrated. 
" Freely ye have received, freely give." 

All this while Connell is intently absorbed 
in looking into his Bible. The light is dim 
and fitful, but it serves to show him that 



28 THE BORROWED BIBLE. 

.as pot hold of ook. 

lie I 

table, of c I should always be d. 

in order to pet a clear idea of and 

_m of a book. He now enters on the 
>nd is aim 
sublime abruptness of the 
•• in the beginning ( '1 the nasi 

and the earth; and the earth was without 
form and void, and darkness was upon 
face of the deep!" 

< hi. on, he read, with a momentarily 

_ wonder and il -i he 

had finished the account of the mighty 
work of creation, he paused and breathed 
,>ly. "So this is the way the world 
and every thing was made," !•• 
himself. •• How -real and po 
< tod must be ! 1 i 

only by hearsay ; — why should it be 1. 
from us I Why shouldn't v. I for 

. and know all about it, U 
now and then j hint oi it, 

the prie tfl may I 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 29 

On he read — the fire was quite burnt out 
— he lighted a candle, and went rapidly 
along. The first transgression, the expul- 
sion from Paradise, the murder of Abel and 
exile of Cain,- the flood, the building of 
Babel, the story of Abraham, etc., so riv- 
eted his attention, that he was wholly un- 
aware how the night hours were passing. 
The candle sunk lower and lower, and 
finally expired in its socket. Connell start- 
ed up at this, and looked about ; the first 
streak of gray dawn was beginning to 
show itself in the east ! He crept silently 
to his bed in the loft, for a short nap before 
the house was astir. But the contents of 
the wonderful book he had been poring 
over, so occupied his thoughts that he found 
sleep quite impossible; and after carefully 
locking his treasure in his own little trunk, 
he descended to commence the ordinary 
duties of the morning. 

Harvest work was hard and pressing all 
through those long warm August and Sep- 
tember days. It called the husbandman 



BORROWED BIBLE. 

Micha< -i 
forth's cottage afforded i 
in thi of season 

ts winged 
> unapt comparison 
i. and furnish* 

1 none labored with B 
cheerfulness, or a more persevering dili- 
gence, than did young Connell, d 
: while a large portion of tl 
was consumed in the manner just de- 
scrib 

But none knew his secret, noi 
one aware of the vigils he kept. He grew 
more sober and thoughtful, however, and 
talked less while he thought a great deal 
more. H lather and brothers laughed 
and chatted over their toil, and v. 

he did not join their gayi tai, Once 

in a while ili' y tried to rally him, and in- 
quired if lie Were getting vapory— but :• 
ban 
and made mirth lor the harv 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 31 

thoughts would insensibly revert to the 
same subjects again — the grand themes of 
the Bible ! 

And thus passed the harvest time anfl. 
the autumn — but long before its close, 
Connell had read through his " wonderful 
book !" 






< • I [ A . i 

I r won lil 

ed) that re of 

. which the free diffusion of 
among their people would produce. 
re they of this i 
wonder little at the jealous care with wh 
it is withholden, thus guarding one gr 
■ vi uue to religious li 
knon 

ih light," declares the l And 

well they know the declaration to be a 

lu such a hearl 
forth's, the seeds of truth thu -ukl 

not long remain dormant 
within him a tumult ol difficulty, d<". 

and bewilderment ,; li" this 1 
he rightly " if this be really the 

doc- 
trines and duties which the | 'eSUS 
came to teach, then have we fcx 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 33 

for we have been taught very differently — 
we have been instructed to believe things, 
and conform to rites and observe ceremo- 
nies, which are here nowhere authorized or 
enjoined ! I can't tell how it is — I am in 
great perplexity, perhaps I do not under- 
stand aright — but one thing I know — if this 
Bible is right, then we are wrong, that's 
certain. But how shall I find out ? I will 
ask Mr. Bentley — he can tell me something 
more upon the subject — but then he's a 
Protestant, why should I go to him? Mother 
thinks the Protestants are bad people." 

It so happened that Mr. Bentley was 
either not to be seen, or too busy for conver- 
sation, whenever Connell went to market 
for many weeks, and he had no oppor- 
tunity to speak with him, as he certainly 
would have been glad to do, notwithstand- 
ing his Protestantism : for the burden at his 
heart grew nothing lighter as time wore on, 
and he felt that he really needed aid to re- 
solve his doubts and quiet his anxieties. 
Another feeling began to be predominant in 
his breast. If the Bible spoke truly, then 



14 

inner before God ! i 
it n<> i 

!id come short o ry of 

GodT Did it 11 ^oul that 

sinncth it shall die?" I ,s settled 

and grow imosttrou: 

him. It made him feel unsafe and uncom- 
fortable, and at times distressed and 

ring — what could lie do' He knew 
well enough what the church of B 

n its doctrines of confession, j 

. and meritorious acts for the penitent 
— but somehow he turned with disgust 
loathing from a system which could not in 
any wise meet his case. His faith in Ro- 
manism was shaken to its foundations; but 
still he found no anchoring place lor his 
BOUl Be knew not yet what Pro* 
or Christianity was— a . flgM un- 

certainty kept his thoughts in perpetual 
disquietude. He still read the borrowed 

Bible, an : 

and the more he read, the mo 

convinced he became, of the incongr 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 35 

between its teachings and those of the 
church. Which then was right? Which 
wrong ? Which was true 1 Which false 1 
— for both could not be. 

The troubled state of his mind and heart 
began to be apparent in his countenance. 
He grew pale and thin — strength and appe- 
tite diminished. Bessie was a kind and 
tender mother, and dearly loved her first- 
born. She began to be alarmed at the 
change, and thinking he had been over- 
tasked, she insisted that he should be al- 
lowed time to recruit. Connell protested 
that he was well and in no need of recrea- 
tion — he would much prefer to work as he 
was accustomed to do ! — It availed nothing 
with Bessie. 

" Come, boy — you needn't stand there 
talking — you arn't going to work one 
stroke this day — just go and rest and amuse 
yourself." 

" But, mother, the potatoes " 

"I and the girls will go into the potato 
patch before you shall, Connell, dear," in- 
terrupted the kind Bessie, decidedly. " It's 



86 THE BORROWED BIBLE. 

r be 

look ggard-like. away lo 

round, or n 

about to offer 

but Bessie stamped 
to loot. 

" Hirer a word — nil I know 

better than yourself how you ought to look ! 
Haven't 1 watched that lace of yours I 
since n was no bigger than the palm of 
hand I It's no use talking— -hut. 1 say, go 
and enjoy yourself, and let tl, 
back to y I, and the spark to your 

eyes ! Out, I say to | 

But ( 'mined moved reluctantly to do her 
bidding. He longed to tell her that it 
the mind, instead of the body, which need- 
ed medicine and repose. But he knew full 
well it would only 

bake and displeasure, so he resolved still to 
p his secret, and went forth obediently 

from the oottage. 

But a day of release from toil did n 
may well i tion 

from inward purturhation. It only allowed 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 87 

a more direct and continued subjection to 
its powers, and Connell grew more heart- 
sick, the less his hands were employed. 
" How can I enjoy myself?" he said to 
himself, as he sat down on a stone by the 
road-side — "I wish I had never seen the 
Bible — I was happy before, and merry all 
day long. Now — oh, how Thave to think, 
and think, and never stop — how wretched 
it makes me, and then to have such terrible 
forebodings ; — c after death the judgment !' 
Oh, I am afraid I shall finally sink into the 
perdition of ungodly men — for certainly I 
have done nothing but sin, sin, sin all my 
life ! Oh, where shall I go and what shall 
I do?" 

Tears dropped from poor Connell' s eyes, 
but just then that beautiful and encour- 
aging invitation of the dear Saviour occurred 
to him — "Come unto me all ye that labor, 
and are heavy laden, and I will give you 
rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn 
of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, 
and ye shall find rest unto your souls." 

"This is what I want! This is just 



38 ;: borrow i:d bible. 



what I want," said feet; 

* ame 
tile into tin- highwa here 

FM, and passed on without observing 
hfan. 

" That's Father Gasheen— and he has 
propped a parcel in crossing the stile — I'll 
make haste, and hand it to him before he 
misses it." 

Connell picked up a small packae 
looked like a book, and hurrn 
Gasheen. In a lew minutes he overtook 
him. 

11 Does this belong to you, sir •" be in- 
quired, respectfully taking off his hat, and 
holding out the bundle. 

H~OouneU th— hew do you 

do to-day? N . 

where did you find it, my hoy /—you are 
very Id indeed." 

" I saw you drop it when y.»n ran; 
ilir stile, sir.'' n^ it 

to the pri( 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 39 

"I am very much obliged to you, cer- 
tainly. I should have been sorry to lose 
my new Bible !" 

" Bible !" repeated Connell, for ne word 
was electrical with him. " Oh, I am very 
glad I found it for you, sir." 

Something in the tone or manner of the 
youth, as he said these words, made Father 
Gasheen look more intently in his face. It 
struck him as presenting an unnatural ex- 
pression. 

" You are not well to-day, are you, my 
boy?" inquired the priest, kindly. 

" Yes, sir, quite well, but " 

Connell hesitated — Father Gasheen be- 
came more observant of him. 

"But what, Connell? Something goes 
wrong with you to-day ; tell me what it is. 
You look ill, too — what troubles you, my 
son?" 

Father Gasheen spoke very feelingly, 
and our poor youth was quite overcome. 
His long pent-up emotions struggled for 
vent. Tears flowed afresh, while he laid 



40 TUB BORBOWBD BIBLE. 

mi troubli 

It was a 
unusual condition in 
of Ins parish. uch 

•n instance be! 

•• What do you mean, Conneli 
ly understand — what have you be< : 
You must come to confession. I am sure 
so good a boy as you can't have commit 
a very crying sin. Come, my son — our 
holy church will find ready means to C 
fort and lighten yom 

And Path Q led him, unresist- 

ing, into his own house, which they had 
by this time reached. 

\v, sit down, my child, and tell me 
all about it: what is it th; you 

unhappy?" 

But Connell did not re] 1 not 

really know h 

•• You are old enough fi 

after wail 
minutes— M 1 think the 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 41 

of that duty will tend to your comfort. I 
suppose you wish to do like other Christ- 
ians, don't you?" 

" I wish to be a Christian first, and then 
act like one," replied Connell, modestly. 

" Yes, very good, my dear, but you were 
baptized in infancy." 

"I fear I am no Christian, if I were," 
persisted Connell — " I feel it, and know it, 
sir !" 

"But don't you suppose we know best 
about that? The church declares " 

"But what does the Bible say about it, 
sir?" interrupted Connell, more courage- 
ously. 

"The Bible, Connell, the Bible!" re- 
peated Father Gasheen, opening his eyes 
very wide; "what do you know about the 
Bible ?" 

" I have read it through, sir, every word 
of it," replied he. 

The priest's countenance instantly lost its 
bland expression. He looked astonished 
and displeased, but remained silent for 



bat kind of a i 
Dg I and where did y 
Council knew be had gon< ? hat 

and ho resolved to speak OOl frankly. 

"I do not wish to tell how 1 came by it, 
sir, but it was B it Bible !" 

" Do your parents know of it. 
man V 1 as 

1 have D< I it to 

any one but yourself." 

11 In that you 1. 
he : — " yes, you have do: 
me, and I no 1 jui- 

etude of mind. Th ndly 

or presumptuously from the . will 

find thorns and briars, if not \ \ 
wolves, ready 

why have you d . 

been enticing your .y of 

your dut\ i whom 1 ha\ 

i reliance — you, who have nth- 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 43 

fully instructed by a pious mother ! — I little 
thought this of you. Connell Carrisworth." 

11 But I want more instruction, sir," re- 
plied Connell, earnestly ; " 1 want to know 
what is the truth and where to find it. And 
I feel bound to say, though I do it with all 
reverence and respect to you, Father, that 
if the Bible is right, some of the doctrines 
and practices of our church are wrong!' 5 

This was a bold stand for a boy like 
Connell to take. He could see that it was, 
by its effect on the priest. 

" This is sufficiently presumptuous," 
said he, angrily ; " and it is what I will not 
allow. You must give up this mode of 
thinking and talking, and return to your 
duty. You are in the very jaws of destruc- 
tion, of apostasy, of heresy — and it is my 
duty as your spiritual father to rescue you 
from such a dangerous condition, cost what 
it may. You must give me up your Bible 
— you must tell me by what means it came 
into your possession, and what influences 
are at work, to turn you away from the 
true faith, contained only in the Holy 
Catholic Church?" 



LOWED BIBLK. 

the t ithority, with which Father 

qnai th his indignant glance. 

had been from his earliest years taught to 
re him — m 1 him as 

belonging to some higher order of bei: 
It is so in all countries and communities 
where Romanism has the ascendancy. — 
The priests have almost unlimited control 
over the people, who arc made to believe 
they are the direct successors of Christ and 
the Apostles, and are consequently clothed 
with <tity as well as pow 

But our youthful inquirer after truth was 
not to be baffled thus, nor long dish- 
ened. He looked full in Fat: 
lowering and clouded 

"The Bible is not mine, sir; — I cannot 
give it to you, or any one else, but the 
owner, whom I decline to name. 1 1 
DO wish, mi. to turn away from the true 
faith — I am only inquiring what the true 
faith is. and how 1 may find it — I foil my- 
a sinner, in danger of deal! 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 45 

and I am come to inquire of you, Father, 
what I shall do to be saved V 1 

Connell looked solemn and earnest, as 
he said this, and Father Gasheen thought 
best to relax a little of his sternness. It 
was evident that the youth was in a critical 
state of feeling — it might be best to use 
persuasions, instead of commands or threat- 
enings. A boy of spirit and keen suscep- 
tibilities, he knew him to be — it were not 
prudent perhaps to push him to exaspera- 
tion at first. 

" That I can very easily tell you, my 
child — I am glad to know you feel thus — 
our holy church receives the penitent with 
open arms. You are commanded to come 
to her embrace, by ' contrition, confession, 
and satisfaction :' and you shall receive 
the remission of your sins, however great 
they may have been." 

"But I don't understand, sir, what you 
mean. What is contrition ?" 

" It is to be sorry for past sin, to hate it, 
and to be determined not to sin any more. 
It is being willing to compensate for venial 



46 thi: i'«»kuowed mblb. 

oflec 18 as the priest shall 

and in order to judge what 
case he must have knowledge of 

those offences — hence the necessity of con- 
fession. No sin, committed after baptism, 
can be pardoned any other way." 

H But who is to save me — what is to give 
me assurance that I am pardoned ?" in- 
quired Connell, anxiously. 

"You forget your catechism, I fear; — 
does it not say — ' In the minister of God 
who sits in the tribunal of penances as his 
legitimate judge, the sincere penitent vene- 
rates the power and person of our Lord 
Jesus Christ — for tl represents the 

character, and discharges the f mictions of 
JmUM Christ? And again it is declared m 
our canons, that, by virtue of his consecra- 
tion, 'the pr'usl is in;: reter and 
mediator between God and man' — so you 

deal for 
the penitent sinner, if he continues faithful 
le his duty. The interceetioo of Christ, 
the blessed Virgin, and the saints, is like- 
wise to be counted upon, m connection with 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 47 

the performance of such penance as shall 
tend to make satisfaction for his offences." 

" But, sir," said Connell with a tremu- 
lous voice, " tell me first is the Bible true % 
Is the New Testament the rule of our faith 1 
Are we to believe and rely upon it 7" 

"The Bible !" answered the priest, peev- 
ishly, " what have you to do or say about 
the Bible ? I tell you the Bible is designed 
for the clergy, that they may instruct the 
people as to what it teaches, both in belief 
and practice. The Bible is full of deep 
mysteries, which the common mind cannot 
understand, and it is only by the help of 
learning, tradition, and the expositions of 
the Fathers, and the Church, that even 
they are able to come at its true meaning. 
Say no more about the Bible, Connell Car- 
risforth, it is your greatest sin that you 
have clandestinely violated the injunctions 
of the Holy Church, in having in your 
hands what is so positively prohibited — and 
a Protestant Bible, too ! You have sinned, 
and I do not wonder that you are distressed 
in mind. Such a course as you are pur- 



48 THE BORROW 



ditioo, and mi.: 

•• 1 : 
the B : or I find n 

of which 
you speak. It tells me that there is but 
one mediator between God and man, and 
that is Christ himself. It says nothing of 
penance or satisfaction — of the interce.^ 
of saints, or angels, or priests — nothing of 
the power of the Virgin. It says, ■ God so 
loved the world that he gave his only be- 
gotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 
shall not perish but 

It says, 'all our righteousness* ilthy 

rags' — and that 'not by works of ri 
eousness which we have done, but by 
mercy he saves us' through faith m J< 
It tells me" 

"Stop, I command yon," said 1 
Gasheen, in a harsh and imperative 
" No more of this, not a word. I 
arc already tainted with the heresy of that 
. apt book. It" you n il up 

into my hands, and tO C your 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 49 

duty in the way I shall appoint, I shall feel 
it my duty to proceed against you as a 
heretic and schismatic ! Do you hear, 
Connell »" 

Connell did hear, and the blood rushed 
to his cheeks and forehead. He did fear 
the priest, for he had been brought up to 
do so, and could not at once divest himself 
of the feelings so carefully instilled into his 
childish heart. But they were relaxing 
their hold upon him. The truth of God, 
contained in his holy Word, had begun to 
unfasten the shackles of prejudice and 
superstition. It was beginning to make 
him free. 

" Do you hear?" repeated the priest very 
angrily. ''Will you, or will you not abide 
by my commands?" 

The boy waited yet a few moments, as 
if irresolute what to say. Father Gasheen 
already felt that he had gained his point. 
There was a triumphant gleam in his gray 
eye, which seemed to say, ' I know how to 
bring him to terms very well.' 

M Answer me," reiterated he, sternly. 



50 ROWED BIBLE. 

ily. 
It was a very unexpecl 

Path uly. Hiat 

he had a case to deal with, which 
all the skill and tact he was master of. 
His first impulse was to fly into a violent 
rage. But he finally decided within him- 
self, that it might be best to meet the point, 
which seemed so vital with the lad, a little 
more candidly than at first he was disposed 
to do. 

"True! yes — no" — he began, "not the 
one you have been reading; — the only 
translation of the Bible worthy to be relied 
upon, is the Vulgate, which is the one 

•tioned by the church and the fail. 
This contains the truth and no other." 

" I wish I could see a copy," said Cou- 
ncil ; " would you be m very kind, sir, as 
to show me ;i Vulgate Bil 

Father Gaaheen was sorely ponied, hut 
fefter hesitating a few minute* he went to 
his library and took down a large old b 
which he handed t<» Connell without a 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 51 

word. He opened it eagerly, but soon 
found he could not make out a single word. 
It was all in Latin. Connell looked up 
disappointedly. 

" Is this a Bible, sir ? I cannot read it." 

" Yes, that is the repository of the sacred 
mysteries of our holy religion. It is thus 
the church has decreed they shall be kept 
from the profane familiarity of the igno- 
rant," answered Father Gasheen. 

"But why should the truth be hidden 
from the people? — why shouldn't they read 
and understand for themselves? — it says, 
' the truth shall make you free,' and com- 
mands us to search the Scriptures, for in 
them are the words of eternal life, I can't 
understand why it is, father." 

' 'Nor is it necessary you should — that 
is the business of your religious teach- 
ers, not yours." 

" But I wish I might read this Bible, sir, 
and see how it differs from the one I have 
been reading. Haven't you got a Vulgate 
in English, sir 7 Please lend it to me for a 
few days." 



THE BORROWED BIBL1. 

kind- 

and jiportunities began to so; 

him considerably. 

i know, my son," said he, after 
ruminating awhile upon Council's request, 
that it is contrary t I policy of 

our holy church — but it may be the DM 
in this case of raising up an able defender 
of her truths and doctrines. It is possible, 
inell, that you may one d M a 

t. How should you like . the 

gospel ?" 

M l want to know the truth — I want to 
find out what I shall do to be sav 
•ponded the youth with a tear in his eye — 
M 1 couldn't teach others what 1 
doubt about myself." 

"Well, my dear, you are so 
will just lend you t: 
the priest, taking np the j 
< lonnell had picked np at 

r, and when you return it, 
thei : now : 
• 1 can't do that, sir: it's not mine. I 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 53 

can't take this on any such condition," and 
Connell was about to lay down again the 
book he had just received from the priest. 

"Well, well, we will see about that — 
you may examine this, and tell me what 
you think of it." 

"Thank you, sir, thank you — it is very 
kind of you; I will be very careful and 
bring it back when you say ; and now, good- 
bye, sir — I hope I haven't troubled you." 

Father Gasheen took leave of him kindly 
at the door ; he felt convinced that such a 
nature as his was to be won, rather than 
driven back to the fold. 






C H A 1'T i; B VI. 

Tai it of his interview wilfa I 

tber . lent a glow to < 

countenance, which was very satisfactory 
to nil mother, when he returned to the 
cottage. 

' : There now, honey. I knew it wa 
a hit of play y< hall 

have ami nothing else this whole Met 
week. Niver I'll have it said boy o'niine 
was worked to death." 

Connell was too anxious to ma! 
ni' is t o( his vulgate Bible, to ohject \ 

miously to his kind mother*! plan. Be 
commenced lb 

lie had d<>n,' In-fore, till nearly d 
Day after day he continued the 
Sabbath day be stayed from church to 

but with all his dilig- Mild 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 55 

not finish it in the prescribed time. He 
read enough, however, and compared 
enough, to find out that some things were 
different from his Protestant Bible. Some 
meant the same, in somewhat varied lan- 
guage, — some were exactly alike. Some 
seemed to him to teach doctrines and duties 
which Father Gasheen did not lay much 
stress upon, — very important ones too, as 
far as he was able to understand ; — but the 
style was strange, the phraseology obscure, 
and difficult, and the meaning often en- 
tirely beyond his comprehension. It was 
not so simple and intelligible as Mr. Bent- 
ley's Bible, and he could not help wonder- 
ing that any body should give preference to 
it. On the whole, the more he read, the 
more perplexed and uncertain he became. 
His intense and long continued application, 
had exhausted his powers of thought, and 
by the time his book was to be returned, he 
was in a state of mental confusion and 
indecision truly deplorable. 

" Oh, if somebody would only teach me," 



I the poor boy, as he often closed 

volumes in (1 tears fell fast 

upon his clasped hands. " What shall I 
lean see no light any :d it 

as even darker and darker." 
Then some blessed and encour 
'ture would occur to his n 
any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, 
who giveth liberally, and upbraideth not, 
and it shall be given him." "Come unto 
me, all ye that labor and are heavy lad- 
"Seek first the kingdom of God and 
righteousness thereof, and all otl; 
shall be added unto you." " Wilt thou not 
say, my Father, thou art the guide of my 
youth." 

Council felt the beauty and appropriate- 
ness of these, and similar passages, and 
had stored them largely in hi f, for 

the time when he should have no Ihble, (he 
knew he could not long retain Mr. llnir 
with safety,) but yet they afforded him no 
ifortj all was mist, and doubt, and 
itainty. 1 1 to himself adrift 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 57 



upon some wild waters, with neither chart, 
compass, helm, nor anchor, — with land no- 
where in sight, and a dark midnight lower- 
ing around. Oh, how miserable he felt ! 
but he betook himself to the sure source of 
Eternal Light, to that fountain of spiritual 
life, from which no true seeker comes 
empty away. He learned in these trying 
days to pray, as he had never prayed 
before. The forms prescribed in the cate- 
chism, which he had been taught from 
babyhood to utter, did not express the need 
of his soul, although they contained many 
fitting and beautiful petitions. But nothing 
yet ministered peace to the longing and 
unrest of his spirit. There was a lack 
which nothing supplied, — a sense of danger 
and exposedness which continually agitated 
and alarmed him. The Spirit of God was 
doing its appropriate work in " convincing 
of sin," — in setting forth the wages and just 
desert of sin, as well as its nature. Connell 
felt it a dreadful thing to fall into the hands 
of the living God, who is of purer eyes than 



58 THE IIORROWBD BIBLB. 

to behold iniquity; — in whose sight the 

re not cle 
char Igels with folly. 

i of something better than good we: 
with which to come before him, — of some 
stronger and surer mediation than that of 
saints, or even the lih-ssrd virgin. He saw 
the profane absurdity of that system which 
attaches merit to self-inflicted punishment 
or to ceremonial observance, and turned 
despairingly from these refuges of lies 
superstition. But nothing was plain or 
clear, — his way was hedged up, and with 
no one could he take 6OQ0 

Market day came again. Connell volun- 
teered to attend to the business, and his 
proposal was very gladly a He 

felt sure it was the part of pro 
restore the first borrowed Bible, lest it mieht 
fall into hands quite unscrnpuloni 

disposal. Certain he was that all : 

shortly divulged, and whatever bapp 

to himself, he was unwilling the previous 

.. which had wrought m him these new 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 59 

feelings and desires, should come to harm. 
He knew that all would be against him, 
and that every effort would be made to 
bring him back to Romanism. Well he 
knew his mother's zeal ; and his father 
generally fell in with what she thought 
right, or what Father Gasheen decided was 
so. He took it from its place of conceal- 
ment in his little trunk, and placed it care- 
fully in his wagon, not without ^some re- 
gretful tears ; and as the steady farm horses 
jogged leisurely along, he improved his last 
opportunity to read over, and impress more 
thoroughly on his memory some of his 
favorite passages. 

To ConnelPs great satisfaction, Mr. Bent- 
ley was once more at his old stand, and not 
particularly busy. The farm produce was 
speedily sold to him, as usual, for he liked 
to trade with Connell, and always took the 
opportunity to do so when he came to 
market. After the business matters were 
all adjusted, the Bible was brought in, and 
made over to its owner. 



;: BORROWED BIBLE. 



you : 
you pi 

ave indeed," r- 
nell. " I hi I it through and 

igh." 

11 And didn't you wish to keep it any 
longer/" 

This remark led to a full explanation. 
With childish simplicity, Connell told him 
of the effect which the Word had prod' 
on Ins own mind, — of his difficulties, his 
doubts, his fears, — ot* 1; with 

Father Gasheen. In line 1, I his 

whole heart to Mr. Bentley, I I that 

it would hurst with its pent fullw 
unburthened in some way. 

\\ will Dot detail the conversation a 
su cc e e ded, but it was one which our y< 
inquire 

Mr. 1 • 
who can afford : - >ur, 

the opportunil 
trade, if Hire. 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 61 

He perceived the critical condition of the 
lad's mind, and like Priscilla and Aquila of 
old, in relation to Apollos, the Alexandrian, 
" took him. and expounded the way of God 
more perfectly." He explained his difficul- 
ties, and resolved his doubts. He showed 
him the simple and beautiful Gospel plan of 
salvation, — Jesus the Way, the Truth and 
the Life; who bore our sins in his own 
body on the tree, — who suffered the just for 
the unjust, that he might bring us to God ; 
who " was wounded for our transgressions, 
and bruised for our iniquities, — and by 
whose stripes we are healed." Gently he 
led him to the foot of the cross, and there 
urged him to lay down his burden of sin 
and ill-desert. Here, and here alone, were 
the Physician and the Balm which could 
remove the plague-spot of sin ! " 

Long, long, they talked, and by the aid 
of Mr. Bentley's clear and well-directed 
expositions, the glorious scheme of free 
grace and redemption loomed out of the 
darkness and confusion of conflicting 
opinions, and speculative investigation. He 



62 tjii: borrowed birle. 



saw that one gi 

r made, and that this grace i 
be received by faith aloi umbered 

of the formalities and absurdities of Ro- 
miiiiMii, this precious truth came to his 
soul, and met its great necessity exactly. 
r l ne response of his inmost heart was, 
" Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbel: 

A new joy sprang up within him ; an : 
he drove homeward, lie knelt down in his 
empty market wagon, and solemnly gave 
himself to the service of his new-found 
Lord and Saviour, and importunately begged 
or wisdom to honor his n very 

situation, and under every circumstance of 
trial and temptation. 

Severe trials, and sore t iiad 

reason to expect. A ti<! rj he 

knew he must buffet, in attempting to break 
away from the fellowship and intlnence of 
that corrupt system of religion in winch he 
had been nurtured ; and be fell lb' 

strength and wisdom from .Mr. 

ley bad insisted on bis *c 
Little pocket Testament, in place of the 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 63 

returned Bible. One or two tracts which 
he thought adapted to his case, he had like- 
wise given him, and Connell soon became 
so absorbed in their perusal, that he scarcely 
knew when the good steeds turned up to 
their master's door. 



Tin: BORROWED BIBLB. 



G II A P T E B VII. 

The father and brothers had no: 
turned from work; but his mother met him. 
when he entered the cottage, with a very 
singula! expression of countenance. ! 
cheeks were flushed, and her eyes red and 
swollen, as if she had I 
lently. She hardly appeared to notice him 
at all, and averted hex lace from his Look 
inquiry. 

"What has happened, mother.' 
length he ventured to ask, though he felt 
almost sure he could divine, — his secret had 
in some way 1 
planatioo must come, b r or 

latex J and this illicit he the best time for it. 

Perhaps she might ] ! his 

could only present the si 
mind 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 65 

"What has happened, dear mother?" 
he repeated. " Are you sick, or grieved, or 
troubled?" 

Bessie turned sharply round. 

" It's a wicked, desateful child ye are," 
she broke out, while the tears started afresh. 
"I know all about it, I do, and ye can't 
blind me eyes any longer." 

" Mother, what do you mean 1 ? " 

11 Don't ask what I mean," she retorted 
indignantly. " Ye know well enough what 
ye've been about, and so doos Father Ga- 
sheen; he's been here, and told all — all — ," 
sobs prevented her going farther. 

Connell had rightly guessed the course 
Father Gasheen would be likely to pursue 
in relation to himself; and he regretted that 
his mother's first notion of the change 
wrought in him, should come from a source 
which would tend to excite her most vio- 
lent prejudices at the outset. But counting 
upon the partiality and favoritism, with 
which Bessie had ever regarded him, as her 
first-born, he resolved to make a most earn- 
est attempt to conciliate her. 



and let me tell you just how .1 see 

if you think I have done so \ ig." 

low too much already, 1 
she. " Ah me ! that I should live to see 
my child, my Council, a — a — ," a fi 
burst of tears choked her utterance. 

■. no," she continued, as soon i 
could articulate, " ye mayn't talk to me. — 
I won't hear a word; but Father I 
left a charge for ye to go to him this 
and go to him ye shall, and submit to hnu 
too." 

" Well, I ought to have returned 
Bible before. I have kept it longer than he 
gave me leave already," replied Connell, 
somewhat evasively. 

" Bible ! didn't he say you had a hei 
Bible in your hands ! And didn't he search 
the premises all over and over, to find it I 
Where have ye hid it ye wic 
going to bring jre to perdition. What I 
one with r 

" It is \ mother," retun 

nell, feeling a trifle of resentment, risinj 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 67 

his heart, at the invasion of his privacy by 
the inquisitive priest. " Father Gasheen 
can have his own Bible, but no other." 

At this moment, his sisters Maud and 
Mary came in to prepare the dinner, and 
the conversation was interrupted ; but from 
the few words they dropped, and the altered 
demeanor they exhibited towards him, it 
was very evident he would find in them 
little sympathy. Doubtless Father Gasheen 
had been careful to prescribe to the whole 
family, the line of conduct to be pursued 
towards him, till he should gladly return to 
the fold in which he had been reared. 

His father and brothers were sociable 
upon the farm business, and the state of the 
market, but made no allusion to the dis- 
closures of the morning. Still, Connell 
thought he discerned more stiffness and 
infamiliarity than usual, even in them; 
he was hardly prepared for so sudden an 
exhibition of hostility ; it sank to his heart 
like a millstone, and he could hardly keep 
back his tears. " This is but the begin- 
ning," thought he, " but let not your heart 



TUB BORROWED BI1 

" In this world ye shall 
haT€ tribulation, but be of good cheer, I 

have overcome the world." 

After dinner, Bessie insisted that Pad 
(iasheen's injunction should be obeyed. 
Connell must go to his house, and be dealt 
with as he should think proper. Little fear 
had Bessie, that a son of her's would dare 
resist the authority, or contemn the instruc- 
tions of a priest of Rome, for whose 01 
and power her own veneration knew no 
bounds; and she felt quite reassured, when 
he had departed on his errand. But 
result she fancied could follow, and anon 
her boy would be safe again in the good 
old way. 

The interview, however, between the 
two, was not quite so satisfactory as she 
expected. It tended not at all to heal the 
alarming, and still widening breach. 

Connell stopped a moment on the thresh- 
old, to breathe a Bhort inward petition for 
itrength and wisdom, to act, and speak 
alight : and then knocked, and was admitted 

to th< idier Gavto 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 69 

That portly gentleman sat at his study- 
table, reading a newspaper. He looked up 
and gave him a nod of cool recognition, and 
then proceeded with his reading. Connell 
remained standing by the door, hat in hand, 
till he had finished his paragraph. When 
this was done, and the priest had pushed 
the paper from him, as if ready to attend to 
business, Connell stepped up, and laid his 
Bible on the table. 

"I am very much obliged sir, for the 
loan of it. I intended to have brought it 
back before," said Connell with some trepi- 
dation, for Father Gasheen's manner was 
so changed, as to embarrass a youth like 
him, very much. 

There was a dead silence for some 
minutes. But the priest at length putting 
on a severe and awful look, said, 

" And where is the other? Did I not en- 
join it upon you to bring it to me 1 Where- 
fore have you dared to secrete it, in defi- 
ance of my command?" 

"I told you, sir," said Connell, " it was 
not mine, and I had no right to give it into 



70 



other hands than tl. . which I 

already done." 

•• Who is the owner?" inquired F 
irtly. 

11 That I am not willing to tell, as it is of 
no consequence to any one." 

u But you must tell me all about it ; and 
promise never to meddle with the perni- 
cious thing again, as long as you live. Your 
parents will cooperate with me in bringing 
you to terms, young man, and this is but 
the preliminary requisition. Will you 
do it?" 

Connell's frank boyish face suddenly be- 
came clouded, and he looked down reflect- 
ively upon the floor. 

t; Will you do it? " reiterated the priest, 
in a louder and more intimidating tone; 
for he thought he saw the lad's com 
giving way. 

"I can't do either, sir, possibly 
turned he iinnly, but modestly. 

Father Gasheen's indignation • 

by this calm and decided reply. Ha broke 

OUt into violent reproaches and llnv 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 71 



"Can't you indeed, sir? And pray what 
may the reason be 1 I will listen to no such 
impertinence from a young scape-grace like 
yourself, sir; you have got to do my 
bidding, or abide consequences, which you 
are not prepared for. You have got to 
renounce these nonsensical and dangerous 
notions, and the company and counsel of 
those who are leading you astray. It's my 
duty to pluck you as a brand from the 
burning, and I'll do it, by virtue of my 
authority as your ghostly father, be sure I 

Connell's cheeks glowed, but he mastered 
his feelings; and after a few minutes 
silence replied meekly, " Father, I came to 
be instructed, not to dispute with your rev- 
erence. I have not intended you any 
disrespect, and I beg you will excuse what 
might seem improper in a boy like me, — 
but I want to ask a very few questions, 
which, if you will have the goodness to 
answer them, will give me a great deal of 
satisfaction," 

" It is not your province to ask questions, 



TIIK IiORROWBD HI 



but i 

: "the p 

a the 
arch. 

not to perplex their minds with 
dark and difficult points, or with 
investigations, — tin 1 for the 

clergy, who are learned and skillful in such 
things. To hear, to believe, and to obey, 
is the sole duty of the layman." 

" Bat please tell me, sir," pnt in Connell, 
without paying much heed to the p 
rnle for " the people," " whether this Bible 
of yours is the one which has d in 

the Catholic church for a long time?" 

" The Vulgate 1 Yes, it is the only trans- 
lation we allow to be genuine It is \ 
ancient, — far older than any other m g 
cral use," replied the pri 

"Then it is the same which Luther 
found in the library of the monastery at 
Erfurl 

i, and what then ! " inquired Father 
en. 

•■ He was a pri. Si tOO, wasn't he 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 73 

and had never seen a Bible, till he was 
twenty-four years old?" 

"Well—." 

" And he read and read it day and night, 
till he almost knew it by heart, and — 
and — ." Connell hesitated, uncertain 
whether to go on or not. 

M Well—." 

"It led him to see that it didn't at all 
agree with the doctrines and practices of the 
Roman Catholic church to which he be- 
longed, so that he felt that one or the other 
must be given up ; please sir," said Con- 
nell with a deprecating glance at Father 
Gasheen's flushed and angry face, " that's 
just the way I have felt since 1 read the 
Bible, — yours as well as the other, for they 
are alike in general." 

" This is just what I expected," said the 
priest, bringing his fist down violently upon 
the table. "But I've done with talk- 
ing-I'll-." 

"Please, sir, allow me to ask one thing 
more," interrupted the youth, with a cour- 
age which quite perplexed the irritable 



tiik K)i: 



m the true faith I 
Spirit speaketh ex; . 

times some shall depart from the faith, giv- 
ing heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines 
of devils, — speaking lies in hypocr. 
having their conscience seared as with a 
hot iron, — forbidding to marry, and com- 
manding to abstain from meats which < 
hath created to be received with than 
giving?' Who are meant by ither 

heen7 " 
[f Father < fasheen had b< 
that his reputation merely bolai 

would not be compromised by a refusal to 

<t this last inquiry, he would 1 
expressed the indignation he felt at b 
thus perseveringly beset ; and perht 
his youthful parishioner an U 
dismission from his premises; but ; 

private reasons which si that 

it might I ; the 

impertinence, and reply calmly. It mi 
told that he evaded or declined to i! 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. ' 75 

honest inquiries, which would hardly be to 
the credit of one whose business it was to 
instruct in all things pertaining to religion. 
So he answered in a very short and decided 
way, that this production of St. Paul re- 
ferred to the Gnostics, a sect of heretics, 
who flourished in the first century of the 
Christian era, and whose doctrines and 
usages agreed with it very closely." 

Connell mused a moment, and then said, 
" But, Father, it says in the c latter times.'' 
St. Paul would hardly call the times in 
which he wrote, the latter times, would he, 
sir 1 And he wrote in the first century, 1 
think. Isn't it possible, sir, that he meant 
some other apostates besides the Gnostics V 1 

" How very wise my young friend is 
getting," returned Father Gasheen, with a 
sneer. " A model of modesty, certainly, 
when he questions the expositions of the 
Fathers of the Church, on a very plain 
passage of Scripture. This is a blessed 
effect of reading the Bible certainly; it 
makes people humble we see. Your perni- 
cious Protestant counselors would probably 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 



• i that it meant the 
Catholic Church, and no don >uld 

i to believe it, or any ot 

irdjty; but remember boy," and 
priest rose and put on his sternest look, 
"remember it is at the peril of your 
you listen to such persuasions, — they are 
snares which lure you down to hell ! " 

Connell did not immediately reply. He 
could not deny that Mr. Bentley had put 
this very interpretation upon the passage in 
question. It was one of many he had 
pointed out as descriptive of that corrupt 
and fallen church as it has existed tor 
turies; nor could the youth fail to perceive 
how just and accurate and striking they 
were. He would have been glad 
few more questions, but Father Gas!. 
now manifested bo decided an impatl 

for the interview to close, tl M to 

"Come to me again iinday, and 

be ready on foui km J our 

: . and disclose lho.se \vh 
; astray, with any thing else that | 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 77 

be required of you, and all this shall be 
passed by," said the priest solemnly ; 
"otlterwise I shall deal rigorously with 
you, young man ! " 

Connell was about to leave the room, but 
he stopped, and after a moment's hesitation 
spoke thus : 

" Father Gasheen, I thank you for your 
counsels, instructions, and warnings. But 
I have resolved, come what may, to take 
my stand upon the Bible, whether it makes 
a Protestant or a Catholic of me. If it is 
the Word of God, if it is the revealed will 
of God, as you say, then it is safe to rely 
upon its teachings, and they are far plainer 
and simpler than the teachings of men. I 
have found in it just such a Saviour as my 
poor, troubled, sinful soul needs. I hope I 
have received him by faith. I think I love 
him, and mean to serve him all the days of 
my life ; and now if tribulation, or even 
persecution shall follow this resolution of 
mine, I shall meet it as bravely as I can for 
Christ's sake. I don't know what punish- 
ment you have a right to inflict upon me, 



78 THE BOB 



rly admitt 
member of the Catholic communion; but 
you can, don! my pate 

and friends, and neighbors, to treat me ill, 
— you can do as you think fit. — I have that 
good promise to encoura n my 

lather and my mother forsake me, then the 
Lord will take me up.' u 

Conneli was astonished at his own cour- 
age, as he finished speaking. Father I 
sheen took no notice of his remarks, only to 
bid him remember what he had j 
as he had no more to Bay ; and tfa 
pari 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 79 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The next Sunday Father Gasheen preached 
a very remarkable sermon. It was a med- 
ley of ill-humor, reproach, sarcasm, and 
complaint, with nothing at all of that 
blessed gospel message which has been 
committed to the ambassadors of Christ. 
It represented the wickedness and disgrace 
of apostatizing from the holy Catholic 
church. It was one of those deadly and 
unpardonable sins, which " have never 
forgiveness, neither in this world, nor that 
which is to come." He stormed at the in- 
creasing laxity of family discipline which 
did not restrain children from the company 
and influence of those who would subvert 
their religious principles, however carefully 
instilled, and ended with a passionate ex- 
hortation to all good Catholics, not to allow 
a flagrant instance of the kind at present 
existing among them to pass by without 



80 

suitable i :. The Lord would 

plea I, with an; 

to turn a stubborn oflen 

of hi from 

death, and hide a multil 

The Irish nature is proverbially 
and little time was needed to show the ef- 
leet of this ill-judged hai i the low- 

aring countenances turned on the Car: 
forth family from all quarters of the parish 
church; for every body knew who 
meant; the change in young Connell 
before been whispered through the commu- 
nity, with much dissatisfe Poor 
Uessie heard Father Gasheen's hitter w< 
with unaffected grid' and terror: thus . 
becoming aware of the result of the inter- 
view from which she ha inch. 
But as it never entered her heart, that her 
spiritual guide Could take a wrong OOB 
or cherish a mistaken view upon any BUb- 
felt bound to i : Is opinion 
and embrace Ins idea, in r< gard to 

elaiiiim ; <»!' her misguided boy, 

honestly believed him The tears poured 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 81 

down her cheeks, and she thought herself 
the most wretched of mothers. Michael 
listened with the utmost surprise and 
chagrin'. He had in truth given very little 
attention to the matter, even when" Bessie 
had presented it to him at home in the 
most moving manner she was able. " The 
boy would come round right," he said — 
u never fear ; young folks always had their 
notions ; besides, he knew so good a boy as 
Connell had always been, and was still, 
could not be far out of the way ; he would 
venture him." 

But to be singled out of a whole congre- 
gation and thus made a spectacle of, while 
the ill-will of neighbors and friends was 
invoked against himself and family, was a 
little more than he was prepared for. It 
was a serious business, he began to think, 
and must be looked after. Doubtless, when 
Father Gasheen broached the matter some 
days before, he had manifested too much 
indifference about it, and this was the mode 
his reverence had chosen to bring him to a 
proper appreciation of it ; a mean and das- 



TDE BORROWED BIBLB. 

tardly mode, he could not but coi 
but then nobody must contend with 

it to use such 
measures as he thought lit for the edi; 
tion of the flock, or to regather such as 
it be going astray. 
The whole family came home from 
church in a state of violent excitement. 
Connell had that day, for the lirst time, 
clipped away early, to attend the nearest 
Protestant service, two or three miles av. 
at a little Methodist chapel. Whi ; 
returning he met various ther 

been's congregation, 
spoke words of insult and abuse to him, 
and even offered some violence, with 
threats of more if he did not quit the v 
he was pursuing. By tie he 

learned the tenor a( Father Gashe< 

Nut he was quite unprepared for 

the storm which broke about his 

moment he crossed th threshold. 

•■ Where have you been, sir .'" demi 

his lather, his lace flushed, and his w i 
manner tremulous with ai. 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 83 

Connell hesitated a moment — the whole 
aspect of things in the family bore evidence 
that something unusual had occurred. 

"Where have you been?" repeated 
Michael, in a voice hoarse with passion. 

Connell frankly informed him. But the 
information tended nothing to allay his 
rage. He seized him by the collar, and 
shook him rudely. 

" And who gave ye leave to be straying 
off, and keeping company with heretics? 
Did your father or your mother? And 
what did we have to suffer on your account? 
Havn't we been held up to reproach and 
insult? Havn't we been threatened and 
abused, and our neighbors and friends set 
against us, and all on your account? Do 
ye want to be the ruin of us all? Do ye 
want the house burnt down over our heads? 
Do ye want us to be mocked and hooted 
at wherever we're seen ? I tell ye, boy, 
ye've got to take a different course ! I tell 
ye the time's come that these things must 
be given up, or there's not room under my 
roof for ye !" 



THE BORROW KD BIBLE. 



11, mildly. 

I'll [ time to make up 

won't be rash with ye, for ye've been a 
good son to me, and I hope ye'll continue 
to be. But I can't have things going on so. 
You may have one month to decide whether 
ye'll go and submit yourself to Father 
Gasheen and do as he bids ye — or quit my 
house forever ! Take your choice ; I give 
you a month from this day !" 

- 1 wouldn't i:ive him half so Ioul 
I wouldn't," put in Bessie, who stood by 
in a glow of excitement. ; * Ah me! what 
are we coming to?" 

M Nor I"— "nor I"— added Maud and 
.Alary, looking very much dissatisfied. 

• We shall be mobbed before that time," 
suggested Dennot, th- 

•p, every one!" said Michael. 
ly. u It shall be just B hall 

have a month to consider hi .nd J 

no doubt, he'll B6e in that tune that 

he's wrong but he shall never say hie < 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 85 

father dealt rashly or hastily with him. A 
good boy he's been, as ye all know, and he 
shall have fair play. Now hold your 
tongues every one, on this subject, till the 
time is out, and then we'll attend to it. 
Let him wholly alone !" 

It was not often that Michael Carrisforth 
made any decided demonstration of his 
prerogative, as master of his family — he 
was easy and good-natured; and left a 
great deal to Bessie's management. But 
when he did lay down rules, it was in such 
a way as to secure prompt obedience. 
Every lip was still, and poor Connell was 
suffered to retire to his little attic, where 
his heart gave vent to its violent emotions 
in a gush of tears. 

The month that succeeded, was a long 
and weary one enough. The averted looks, 
and cold, chilling manner of the household, 
where such fondness and tenderness had 
hitherto existed, was very trying to an af- 
fectionate nature, like that of our young 
hero. The constrained and formal conver- 
sation, which had hitherto flowed so freely 



THE BORROW] 



and 

nothing but pain and disturbance to 
i. He seemed to be shut out from 
family sympathies entirely. Work w 
is usual, and Connell tried to surpass 
a himself in faithfulness and induel 
He rose early and worked late, and 
studious to do every thing in the best possi- 
ble manner to meet his father's approbation. 
But all would not do. He felt himself un- 
der the ban of the family, as well as that 
the priest, whom he knew to 

■ proceedin 
he cautiously appr 

BUbject, When none but his father was by. 
He thought it possible that his sympatl 
might hf enlisted in his behalf; but Michael 
only Btamped his foot, and reminded hi; 
his command. 

Let it not l>e thought, however, that this 

long, dreary month had no consolations for 

our young pilgrim, just Bet out in the nar- 
row path tO the celestial city. 

It was a month of many doubts, dis- 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 87 

couragements and fears. It was also a 
month of earnest and fervent prayer, and 
self-questioning; of strong resolutions, of 
faith and of joy. Yes, so clear and bright 
were his heavenly hopes, so firmly did he 
cling to that almighty Saviour which his 
borrowed Bible had revealed, that he could 
sometimes quite forget his worldly troubles, 
or cast them wholly on him who has borne 
our griefs and carried our sorrows. No one 
in the family could conceive the inward 
quiet and joy he sometimes felt, while 
that little room echoed to those beautiful 
lines, 

" Jesus, lover of my soul, 
Let me to thy bosom fly, 
While the waters round me roll, 
While the tempest still is nigh." 

Nor was there one in the family, who did 
not confidently expect that this unhappy 
probation month would rectify every thing, 
and restore him to his right mind and the 
true faith again. He could not resist longer. 
The struggle was so great, he grew paler 



88 1KB BORROWED BI! 

and thinner every day, and it would CTent- 
ually result as they wished — his 
was sure of it. The neighbors, too, were 
quieted with the same confidence, though 
they sometimes grew a little noisy and 
troublesome, in their zeal to work out Father 
Gasheen's suggestion. But there was no 
outbreak, and the dreary month was draw- 
ing to its close. 

The last Sunday came. Connell was 
seen with his family in the parish church, 
apparently very humble and devout. There 
could be no reasonable doubt that he had 
yielded. His mother looked ha] 
his father satisfied. Fath u plumed 

himself on the success of his plan ; and the 
Sabbath passed quietly a v. 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Long before the dawn on Monday morning, 
Connell was up and dressed, and on his 
knees by his bedside. Oh, how earnestly 
he prayed — how tenderly he remembered 
each one of the dear household, before that 
throne of grace which is always accessible 
to the pious heart ! How importunately he 
begged for the quickening " grace which 
bringeth salvation," for each individual — 
and then he prayed for himself, that he 
might be guided by that wisdom which can- 
not err — that he might honor his Saviour's 
name, through evil report, as well as good 
report — that his way might be made plain, 
and that he might have courage for any 
trial that was appointed for him, and es- 
pecially, for that of leaving his father's 
house and going he knew not whither, for 
Christ's sake. 

He rose from his knees, and wiped away 

8* 



BORROWK I 

flowing tears. Then he made a 
little bundle from hiscomforl robe, 

and sat down to await the moving of 
family, and to deliberate on the cours. 
had bettor pursue. Poor boy ! he found it 
a hard matter to decide, for difficulties and 
obstacles seemed to hedge up e\ 

In Ireland it is no safe or easy mar 
a youth thus to forsake the shelter of the 
"cot where lie was born," and the pre 
tion of his father's arm. He is stig 
I runaway, or looked upoi 
ibond, upon whose word no reliance is 
to be placed ; he may wander days, weeks, 
and months, without finding employment 
enough to supply him with necessary food. 
If it be known or suspected that he is a 
Protestant, n<> Catholic family will, on I 
pretext, lmvc him work or shew him fa 
He is subjected to annoyances and t: 
that an American youth, under such cir- 
cumi would know nothing about. 

Oonnell knew these things too w 
and often his heart sank within him, at 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 91 

thought of what he must probably en- 
counter. 

When the breakfast horn sounded, Con- 
nell descended, budget in hand, and ap- 
parently all ready for a start, greatly to the 
astonishment of every member of the house- 
hold. They had counted upon a result the 
reverse of this, with the utmost confidence, 
and when Connell seated himself in his 
accustomed place, with a pleasant morning 
salutation, the feelings of each may be bet- 
ter imagined than described. Bessie's 
speaking face instantly betrayed the agita- 
tion of her disappointed heart. Michael 
gave one almost incredulous glance from 
the boy to the bundle, and then with the 
gravest of faces tried to eat his breakfast. 
But that morning meal in the Carrisforth 
cottage was a mere pantomime — and one 
after another left their seats to escape the 
painful constraint of the occasion. At length 
Michael drew back his chair, and after a 
violent effort to clear his voice, began. 

u Well, Connell, my boy, you remember 
what I said to ye a month ago V 3 



LBU. 



" 1 supposi 
then what course to tak< 
I es, sir." 

"And you're coming back into the good 
old way, without making us any farther 
trouble or anxiety, I expect. Ho 

"Father," said Council, feelingly 
don't want to make you trouble or anxiety 
— but father, I never can be a Catholic, 
never ! I have read the Bible, and i find 
nothing of it there — and 1 an I by 

s help to leave every thing 
Bible! 1 have done Father a no 

harm, and given him no offence, and 1 I 
not consent to put myself under his control 
— so, dear father, if you cannot consent to 
let me stay at home, and give me Libert 
believe as 1 must believe, and a< 4 
ently with that belief, 1 am going to ll 
you as you said, foi 

"Oh dear ! oh dear !" screai. 
from the next room, where she had hi 
. y word. u Your soul will he lott, my 

child— you shall not go to perdition, if 1 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 93 

can help it. Send for the priest, Michael 
Carrisforth." 

"No, mother, I have found a Saviour — 
my soul is safe. Oh, if you would all seek 
,and find him, my most earnest prayer 
would be answered. But I don't wish to 
see Father Gasheen — let me go in peace — 
I shall always love and pray for you. I 
have had a happy home, but the good Lord 
will take care of me, because I leave it for 
his truth's sake. Now, dear mother, good- 
bye, and father — good-bye Maud and Mary 
— good-bye Dermot, and little Jamie — don't 
forget me, pray don't, any of you !" 

Connell took up his bundle, and went 
towards the door. His father stood irreso- 
lute and distressed, not knowing how to 
act. He took a couple of guineas from his 
pocket, and put them into Connell's hand. 

" You don't know what you are doing, 
child," he said with a tremulous voice. 
"You don't know what kind of a world it 
is, you are going to buffet." 

" No, father, but I don't go alone — 
' when my father and my mother forsake 



TBI BORROW*.: 

me, then the Lord will I 
I am with you alw 

world.' These words give me ti 
and courage. Gooi ar father, 01 

more !" 

Oonnell had gone but a few paces from 
the house, when a great outcry alari 
him, and he heard his sisters scream, 
"She's going to die, mother's goini 
die !" He could not resist the impulse to 
rush back to the cotta 

There, to be sure, was Bessie in a deadly 
swoon upon the floor, and all DJU 
frightened Dearly out of the; 
lie was rushing for some water to dash m 
her face, Maud rudely caught the pitcher 
from his hand — " Let her alone," said 
M and get away; it's you that's killed I 
and you will have it to an 
will be the death of us all ye! 
wicked wretch !" 

••That you are 
what mischief you have done, t >h % 
pool moth 

These cruel reproaches vent to Conn 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 95 

heart, like a poisoned arrow. He put both 
hands to his face, and wept aloud; and 
then seeing his mother give signs of return- 
ing animation, he once more quitted the 
cottage. 

He had no definite purpose before him, 
but he had long thought that if he could 
see Mr. Bentley, he would give him such 
advice in this emergency, as would be 
valuable. It had been his hope to go to 
market, and see him during the month just 
passed, but it had not been convenient. He 
now resolved to direct his steps towards 
the market town, and if possible gain an 
interview with that gentleman. According- 
ly he walked as briskly forward as the sad 
state of his feelings would allow, for the 
image of his pale, unconscious mother, as 
well as the cruel manner and words of his 
sisters, dwelt painfully in his mind. Again 
and again he revolved the questions, u Am 
I doing right? Is it the path of duty I am 
treading ? Can such a sacrifice really be 
required of me in this age of the world V 
Conscience said yes, to every query, and, 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 



(1 rapidly on. It v. 
and I md the oh 

borhood, before many were stirring. Father 
been had so wrought on the excitable 
feelings of some of the lowest order of 
parishioners, that they were already to of- 
fer him molestation, or even violence 
thereby they might gain the approbation of 
the priest, and have their ill-dire 
placed to the account of doing 
in deterring others from folio 
example. This they « 

would do, 
ignorant and bigoted a man, that I 
know what better course to take, 
labored to convince and 
yonng offender — he had ti. 

;ed — now what more could he do 
ion means to punit 
And the wh >le h 
church shews, thai net 
an<l Btill are, (with 

Millions :. 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 97 

to be used in dealing with what they de- 
nominate heresy. The same spirit is in 
Romanism which sent martyrs to the stake 
and prisoners to the torture, in old persecut- 
ing days. Circumstances alone restrain the 
exercise of that power, which stained its 
strong hands in the heart's blood of thou- 
sands on thousands of the innocent and 
helpless. Its disposition and tendency are 
the same. 

Connell had been about an hour on the 
way, and was still making diligent progress 
towards the market town, when he heard 
behind him the loud and rapid rumbling of 
wheels over the frozen ground, (for it was 
now late in autumn). He did not look 
back, however, nor think much about it, 
till a familiar voice called out, " Connell, 
Connell, stop !" Then he turned about, 
and saw his father urging the staid old 
farm horses to a most unwonted activity. 

"Stop, stop, boy, why don't ye? I've 
been hallooing this last mile — didn't ye 
hear me?" said Michael, as he pulled up by 
Connell's side. 



98 Tin: korrowki 

but what brill 

SUCh 

;her*s well en< 
what it is, hoy. / can't —it takes 

the spirit all out o'rae;" said hi 
drawing his great rough hand acros 
eyes; u besides, I learned just a few nut 
after you'd gone, thai 
Myrtie Brady, and a lew of those low fel- 
lows, were raising a gang like themselves 
to pursue and trouble you: and as the 
no telling what 1 « • 1 1 u t h s they' I 
prie 

of them. I tell you, child, that 
harangue we had in church a m 
hurt my opinion of his reverence i 
and he had better mind how hi 
turn my neighbors against me or i 
ly ! But come, jump in. I 
you home, the oth< ^l be 

sure and not meet those rowdii 

" Hut, father." hesitati I 

can't be a < latbolic, ind< not, and 

those people may trouble 
am there. I should be sorry to make dim*- 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 99 

culty for you, and then mother and the girls 
would be made miserable, perhaps." 

" You need say no more. I'll take care 
of myself and mother and the girls — if 
these fellows molest us we'll have the law 
down upon 'era — so in with you, and don't 
lose more time talking." 

"Oh father, how kind you are to me," 
said the youth, as he climbed to the seat he 
had so often occupied beside his father. 

" Well, you've been a good child, and 
it's not myself that will see you wronged 
by any body, whether you call yourself 
Catholic or not, and I don't know as it 
makes much difference after all," responded 
Michael, as he turned his horses down into 
a bye-road, which was "the other way " 
home. 

Connell was very much surprised by the 
liberal sentiment last dropped, but said 
nothing in reply ; Father Gasheen was to 
be thanked for it, he felt sure. 

They reached the cottage without any- 
incident, but found a number of men and 
women in and about the house. They 



100 THE BORROW! 

uich 
they had any reason to apprehend ill-tr 
merit, hut some of then most dec 

■ctable neighbors, come to make 
• juirics and express sympathy wi* 
Wry much they wished to know what 
fault Connell found with 
and worship. What points I 1 to, 

and whether Father Gasheen could not 
things right with him. Bessie had replied 
to all their queries, as well as she could, 
but she was not sufficiently informed to 
make any thing very clear to her audi- 
tors. 

When Michael understood their w 
he thought a moment, and then turned to 
rjell : 

1 he, '• I want you . ' 
explain to th< eople all tl 

to know about your change of f< • 
Lhifl subject. if you ean'l be a CathotJ 
y<>u .say, 1 want you should tdl Yin v. 
and L'ivc a ivanm tor your COO 

i!l ; sir/' replied < 'onnell, promptly. 
"Now, friends, " said Michael, turning 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 101 

to the people, "the boy says he'll explain 
to ye why he can't be like the rest of us ; 
and it's fair, ye see, to give him a chance 
without vexing and troubling him. If he 
can't show sufficient reason for his new 
way of thinking, let him take the more 
shame for it ; but if he can, let's hear it." 

" To be sure that's fair," said they all. 

" Well, then, perhaps ye'll gather here 
next Sunday morning, and we will give 
him a candid hearing." 

The proposition was accepted, and the 
people dispersed. 






C1IA I'T BB X. 

Tot next Sabbath morning, instt 

hundred people liad assembled on the gn 
before the pretty cottage of the Cai 
iorths : men, women, and children, i 
all the neighboring hamlets. It m 
if the entire population of the country 
around had turned out — 

»\vn to be of a 
•hievous a:. te character. 1 

wily Uld the ruffian Brady v. 

there, of whom we have before sj 
tools of Father Gasheen — with man 
of their stamp. But the majority 
the mere quiet and orderly m 
whom nothing was t i 

ted. 

It was with some concern, thai 

D 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 103 

numbers about his doors. His wife and 
girls were almost panic-stricken. Nothing 
but his authority prevented their escaping 
to some other dwelling, where they might 
count upon safety from a mob. But Mi- 
chael was a man of nerve and resolution, 
when once his Irish blood was stirred, and 
he told Bessie with a sternness she did not 
think it prudent to oppose, that if he 
could not protect his own family, the law 
could and should, and that, too, upon his 
own premises. 

ConnelFs young heart, too, fluttered with 
trepidation, as he thought of the part he 
was expected to act in this drama ; but a 
few inspiring words from his father stim- 
ulated his resolution to do his very best, 
and leave the event with God. He remem- 
bered the injunction to the disciples, 
" Take no thought what ye shall speak, for 
it shall be given you in that same hour ;" 
and he hoped the Lord would direct him. 

A rude platform was constructed, by lay- 
ing boards upon barrels, and Connell took 
his place upon it. 



BORROWED 



B 

story," said Micha 
stand by you till th< 
afrai >ur mind ; — see 

and he pu I his 

frock bosom, and d'u 

father, fat il de- 

: 1 y. 
" Let rue alone, I know what I'm about ; 
I'll make the first speech, and then do you 
go ahead ! " 
"Friends," pr< 

invitation, to learn why this boy 

a Catholic like the rest of us. 
I've promiseayou should know In- 
jur he's a hoy, you all know, lh 

Up a Dew I 
theory without reasons. I want to k: 
myself, and I want you should all know, 
what In- can't away with in our holy 
Catholic faith. I'm glad to see you all, 
hut if any li riot and 

tin!- 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 105 

had better leave as soon as they find it 
convenient. I'm resolved to have quiet and 
order : and the first man of ye that sets 
any noise or tumult afoot, will wish he 
hadn't; for I'll still him in a way he don't 
expect. Ye all know Mike Carrisforth, 
when his blood is warm, and he'll do as he 
says." Then turning to Connell, " Now's 
your time, my boy," said he, and sat down 
where his eye could command the entire 
assembly. 

Connell's face was suffused with a crim- 
son blush, as he commenced modestly: 

" My good neighbors, I never before at- 
tempted a speech, and I fear I shall make 
but clumsy work of it; but if you will 
have patience, I will endeavor to show you 
the change which has taken place in my 
feelings. I am neither afraid, nor ashamed, 
to acknowledge that I cannot be a Roman 
Catholic, and perhaps before I have done 
some of you will agree with me." 

There might have been heard the rustle 
of a leaf, so still the people stood or sat 



106 ilOWKD BE 

about the youthful sp» 

kindling eye 
olute air of M 

with light 

hai - aething to do with it. 

— aud every eye was intently fixed, as 
the boy proceeded. 

" You see friends," said Connell, coming 
directly to the point, "/ borr 
and when I came to read it, I found a g) 
many wonderful things that I h 
heard of before — things the over 

take the trouble to tell us, but which are 
calculated to make every body w 

which every body ought to 
know, and believe, and practice — tbil 
which our bl 

taught, and his hi U as 

things which prophets inspired by i I 
and t>t her great and g 

who lived in still m 

a great many things which we all 1. 

■id which 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 107 

They tell us that what the Fathers, and 
the Councils, and the Pope, and tradition 
teach is as good as the Bible, and as bind- 
ing on the conscience. Do you believe it, 
friends ? The Bible is GooVs voice — these 
are the opinions of men — should they be 
received as of equal authority? 

" I had always wondered why we were 
prohibited from reading the Bible, (if it be 
really the Word of God and given to teach 
us the way to be saved from eternal per- 
dition) any more than Protestant people — 
but when I read it, I was no longer sur- 
prised — I saw clearly enough, that, if the 
people were to read and believe for them- 
selves, they would no longer continue to be 
Romanists — the church knows that well 
enough, and this is the reason why we are 
kept down in darkness and ignorance ! 
They don't want to let us know what is in 
the Bible, for then we shall see we have 
been blinded and deluded. And did you 
ever think, neighbors, why it is that all our 
religious services are conducted in a Ian- 



108 THE BORROW! 



.ord 

i 

for deceiving us? J 
re must i ! urch be- 

Apostle Paul — he 

' without faith it is le to 

please God,' and that a kno 
truth is necessary before 
How art \w to obtaiD that know 
deny us the Bible I 

tin we are told that 
our i 

lie church — d< 
riL'li:. Ihble 

faith, 
and that not <>f ourseh i 
< kod 

should boast '—hut ' of his mercy he m 
us through the washing 
renewing <>t the Holy Gh 

world that h. . be- 

ii sou that wh h in him 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 109 

should not perish but have everlasting 
life ! ' ' There is none that doeth good, 
no not one.' ' All have sinned and come 
short of the glory of God. The wicked 
shall be turned into hell with all that forget 
God,' &c. 

" When I read these things, neighbors, I 
was alarmed and distressed, as you may 
suppose. 1 knew not what to do — I felt 
that I was a sinner before God, and had no 
righteousness to plead, even if that could 
be acceptable. What could I do 1 I thought 
of the Virgin, the Saints, and the Angels, 
but there is nothing in all the Bible which 
even permits us to pray to them, or seek 
their aid ; they can do nothing for us, not 
even the Virgin herself. Jesus is the only 
{ mediator between God and man,' says the 
Bible — the ' only name given under heaven 
among men whereby we must be saved.' 
He says of himself, i I am the way and the 
truth and the life — no man cometh unto the 
Father but by me ! ' 

" I did not at first understand, as I think I 



110 TFIK BORROWED BIBLE. 



how 
the Saviour was to sav 

her Gasheen, and told him my trouble 
and distress ; he reproved me for reading 
the Bible, and forbade me to do it 
more; and went on to tell me to practice 
those things which would merit salvation — 
there was no danger, only do what the 
church enjoins — {but which the Bible does 
not !) I begged him to tell me in the first 
place, if the Bible was really I of 

God, and binding upon men. H 
Catholic B that 

he would show me one, which he i 
many objections; but what was my 
prise to find them alike, in th< 
which most perplexrd and dial 
asked him to explain, but 1 
and only threatened me. 1 left him nd 

l ruble and disturbed than t. 
more doubtful what 1 should do to be 

at in his own time the I 
me good counsel, and I humbl] 

learned how to believe in I I 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. Ill 

Jesus Christ, to the salvation of my soul. 
I cast myself on his mercy alone — and he 
has said, 'Him that cometh unto me, I will 
in no wise cast out.' This is what the 
Bible has led me to feel and to do, my 
friends — it is its proper and legitimate ef- 
fect — ' the entrance of thy word giveth 
light? says the Scripture, and it is this 
very thing our priests are afraid of— and 
this is why they will not permit us to read 
and judge for ourselves — they know we 
cannot remain what we now are. and have 
the Bible in our hands. Here is a point I 
can never concede — I cannot give up the 
Word of God, and so I cannot be a Ca- 
tholic. I shall thank him till I die, and 
thank him in eternity, for that borrowed 
Bible!" 

Connell sat down, without looking to ob- 
seve the effect of his speech upon his rough 
auditors. Had he done so, he might have 
been surprised at the number of moistened 
eyes turned upon himself. His father 
noticed it, however, and came to the con- 



112 n BORROWED BIBLB. 



i need of 
claim ie deadly 

weapons concealed in his bosom. Hfen 
the rogne and ruffian, before montioned, 
found nothing to encourage a desperate 
undertaking in each other's faces, or in the 
faces or manner of their comrades. One 
by one they slunk out of sight, while the 
more sober and respectable of the assembly 
gathered together in knots, to make their 
comments on what they had just heard, 
and question with one another, whether 
these things were really so. Council was 

i now there were few who \ 
clamorous in rinding fault with him, while 
Father Gasheen, and some othei 

hhoring pi 

for neglect of their appropriate duties 
Which various install. 
within t!.. 

' ; chael came down from the plat: 
ami mingled hifl opinions with th' 
•• What rise could 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 113 

11 1 don't see that he's very much out of 
the way," said another. 

" If the priests won't teach us, who 
shall 1 " questioned a third. 

" We ought to have the Bible," suggested 
a fourth, " and I don't believe it's right that 
we don't." 

" I should like to hear more about it," 
remarked a fifth. 

" I should like to have Father Gasheen 
hear what we've heard, and answer for 
himself," muttered a sixth. 

11 Why can't your boy give us another 
talk?" asked one of them of the com- 
placent Michael. 

"What say you, to it, my lad?" said 
another to Connell himself. 

When Connell understood the request, he 
very cheerfully answered. 

" I will read the Bible to you, if you like, 
and then you can judge for yourselves, if it 
be fit for every body. Oh, friends, I wish 
you could all read it for yourselves ! " 

The next Sunday morning was fixed 
upon for another meeting, and the people 

10* 



11! I BORROWED BIBLB. 

seriousi I in many bosoms. 

Connell fell on his knees in his little attic 

i. to thank God for the peaceable and 
friendly issue to which he ha I this 

led occasion, and to supplicate for 
wisdom, to aid him in his humble 
bring some of these simple people so 
knowledge of his power and blessed Word. 
All through the week the youth had 

>n to rejoice in the kindness and affec- 
tion of the whole household. He had i 
than satisfied his father— 
motherly pride was a 1 1 1 
had pleased every body, so contrary to her 

(Stations; and on a subject too, so likely 

to inflame a Catholic community, led on 

m unscrupulous ways 

i train of her boy's abilities, and now 

believed him to be a great 

man ; but oh, she would have him ereat and 

distinguished in his own faith, and am 
Ins own people. But it I egan t<» seam MM 

quite bo terrible a ll . le — 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 



115 



and when, one evening, Michael requested 
Connell to bring out his Testament, and 
read a chapter to him for the curiosity of 
the thing, she made no strenuous objection, 
but listened with patience, and even a de- 
gree of interest she would have been un- 
willing to acknowledge. 




116 THE BORROWED BIBLE. 



C II A vr E B XI. 

had preached i 
hare walls, without being fully aware 
of what detained so many of his parishion- 
ers from their usual places in church. 
When he learned the truth of the DO 
hardly knew whether to be angry or not ; 
he felt, however, so confident of his inilu- 
ence among his people, and thai 

his power over them wa ibie, 

that he dismissed any anxiety on 
ject, believing that the leaven of his good 
counsel was working well. lie though, 
could trust hi to bring about 

purposes, whatever they might be. Hut 
the appointment lor the next Sahhath 

I to; it might lead to noes 

nnthonghl of, and therefore m 

especially it* the lad won upon the favor of 
the people, as he . likely to 

That plan mn led He wai 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 117 

maturing his mode of procedure, when an 
imperative summons on some important 
clerical errand to a distant city, where he 
was detained ten or twelve days, com- 
pletely frustrated his determination. 

The week ran on, — the Sabbath morning 
came again, — the people gathered once 
more before Michael's cottage door. Con- 
nell's young Christian heart was warmed 
and expanded. Oh how he longed to give 
adequate expression to the mighty subject 
of salvation by God's free grace, manifested 
in the gift of an all-sufficient Saviour ! Oh 
how he longed to tell the peace and joy of 
his own soul, and to utter a word, — or 
breathe a thought, which might induce 
some of these friends and neighbors to seek 
and find what he had sought and found. 

This fervor of feeling imparted a sub- 
dued and beautiful solemnity and earnest- 
ness to his voice and manner, while it 
kindled his eye and loosed his tongue ; and 
on that memorable morning, words were 
read and spoken, whose unutterable value 
to a few humble souls, only the records of 



118 THE BORROWED BIBLE. 



and ace by his own simple com- 

Ltfl and a; {produced 

an effect altogether unexpect is as 

• fire and the hammer which breaketh 
rock in pieces." Tears of penit. 
flowed from "eyes that mocked 
before," as well as from the more gentle 
and susceptible. And to many who i 
estly asked with the heart smitten jailer, 
•• What shall 1 do to be the sub- 

limely simple direction the 

Lord 

authority they might not question or r- 
The Spirit of God was there.— the i 
mandmentfl of God, s<> often made of n 

it by man's tradn • brought 

home to the awak< 

divu. . and forn 

mas of d 
asked, tl 
kith the Church, s, or, 

tie | 

All e most d< I by 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 119 

this simple presentation of the ' Truth as it 
is in Jesus," was Michael Carrisforth. The 
sword of the Spirit penetrated to the depths 
of his soul ; nor was it long before he could 
clearly apprehend, and believingly realize, 
the blessedness of that great truth, — " Being 
justified freely by his grace, we have peace 
with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." 
And a happy time it was for him, and for 
many of his neighbors, when they could 
rejoice together in hope of the glory of God. 
Meeting after meeting was held during 
the absence of Father Gasheen, and the 
" Word of God had free course, and was 
glorified." When at last he did return to 
his charge, the " Bible party," and the 
"Bible influence," was quite too strong for 
him to overthrow; although he did what 
he could to put them down. Once or twice 
a slight disturbance was set on foot through 
his suggestion, but it was promptly quelled 
by the cool determination of Michael and 
his friends, and thenceforth the " Bible 
reform" went steadily onward, with our 
young friend Connell at its head; who 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 



••ars, and 
m favor wiili < 1 

In to rejoice 

in tfa of every D : his 

father's household. >t to 

1 h<r heart to the intluence of that 
grace, which 1 But the 

surrender was hearty and unwavering, 
when at length it was made. 

From the first, the good Mr. had 

watched the progress of this singularly 
interesting reformation, with intense solici- 
tude He noted with 
simple instrumentalities, which < I 

lved 
r to lose an opportunity of ad 
a serious word to any willin. 
have a more constant, practical, an 

• qo6 to the precept : •• In themorn- 

UlL r sow tl A-ith- 

liold not thy hand, for thou knowett not 
whether shall prosper, this or that, or it' 

-hall be a 

More and more he resolved I 
tin- efficacy of tin- Spii 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 121 

panying his divine Word, and to do what 
he could to extend the knowledge of that 
void which is as " a well of water spring- 
ing up unto everlasting life." He procured 
a quantity of Testaments, and supplied 
every family in the Carrisforth neighbor- 
hood who would on any terms receive 
them; and had the satisfaction to know 
that they essentially aided and deepened 
the religious feeling of the community, and 
furnished to many earnest seekers after 
truth, a firm and safe basis on which to 
build a correct religious faith. In vain 
Father Gasheen fretted, forbade, denounced, 
and threatened; the truth which maketh 
free, had been revealed among that people, 
and they were becoming " free indeed," in 
the liberty of the children of God. 



TI1K BORROW 1 



CHAPTER XII. 

iv words more will bring to a close our 
story of the "Borrowed Bible." Its influ- 
ences near and ret may hope will 
furnish a theme of gratitude and praise for 
many a saved soul in eternity; and of en- 
couragement for many an humble laborer 
in the Lord's vineyard h 

The progress of the revival of which this 
te "borrowed Bible" was the or 
and Instrument, developed abilities m our 
young friend Council of a rare order; which 
united with a well tempered zeal, and an 
uncommonly winning address, seemed to 
combine | eculiar i of useful!.' 

and adaptation to public lite. 

Bentley's cordial recommendation there! 
and the free consent of Ins j m- 

1 on ;i coi uatory to 

the ministry, and in 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 123 

his labors as an " ambassador for Christ." 
For more than twenty years he wrought, 
with a diligence and prudence in his Mas- 
ter's service, which was rewarded with 
abundant success. To the poor and lowly 
among his own people, he chiefly addressed 
his efforts, and from them a great harvest 
of regenerate souls was won, which shall 
one day " shine as the sun in the kingdom 
of their Father," though unknown, or des- 
pised, or overlooked, on earth. 

But " he that will live godly shall suffer 
persecution." God frequently allows the 
most earnest and faithful of his servants to 
endure the fiercest of trials, and through 
much tribulation receives them to the in- 
heritance of the sanctified. Thus it was 
with the subject of our sketch. There 
were times in his ministry, when he might 
almost literally have used Paul's descrip- 
tion of the trials and dangers that beset 
him. "In journeyings often, in perils of 
waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by 
mine own countrymen, in perils by the 



[24 THK BORROWED BIBLE. 



the wild 

often, in hunger and thirs' 
cold and nakedness." But none 
things moved him, neither counted he his 

deal to himself, if lie might by 
means seek out some poor wanderer, and 
bring him into old of his Lord 

iour Jesus Christ Every thing that 
could be done by the church of Roup 
foil his efforts, and subvert tl i flu- 

he so I 
ry obstacle thrown in 1 
malice could invent, or ingenuity dev 
hut 1 ilmly on, rem that 

the wrath of man is made I 
and truly 10 he found it. 

Affliction and 
among tl I means by which 

father of spirits thought fit to test the 

itancy of Ins servant. 

little. liniiM hold hand to winch 1: 

tedly attached, (and whi 



THE BORROWED BIBLE. 125 

dear when all could say " thy people are 
my people, and thy God my God,") melted 
away from earth ; — some by lingering dis- 
ease, some by accident, some by violence, 
till he was left utterly alone, — and yet he 
was not alone, " For lo, / am with you 
always, even unto the end of the world ! " 

After these events, these years of toil and 
self-sacrifice at home, urgent invitations 
from across the waters, whither thousands 
of his countrymen had gone and found 
freedom and a home, began to move Con- 
nell to follow, and lar^r among them in the 
land of their adoption. He laid his plan 
before wise and pious friends, and it met 
their hearty approval. In a few weeks 
arrangements were made, and in company 
with another faithful and devoted servant 
of Christ, he quitted his native Ireland for- 
ever, consecrating the remainder of his life 
to the spiritual welfare of his brethren ac- 
cording to the flesh, in this great country of 
America. 

That his labors and prayers may assist 



THE BORROWED BIBLB. 

ny in throwing off the fetters of Ron 
anil IMI light burd( 

ke" of Him, whose rich grace is 

will, we hope, 

be the sincere desire of all who read these 

The work is done, if ihe 1 
nut be made a light t< . t, and a 

lamp to their path. 



Til ! 



Do ac .dif .oo using the Boo* It— pf procMt 
Neutralizing agent Megnaaium Owo> 
Treatment Oate Oct 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 



